It remains to be seen whether Zuma will announce his response to the ANC National Executive Council’s decision to recall him as president. Reuters news agency said Zuma’s spokesman could not be immediately reached for comment.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that a scheduled cabinet meeting has been postponed in the light of the crisis. The ANC chairperson is also on record to have said if Zuma failed to respect the recall they will employ more drastic means.

Chairman Gwede Mantashe is quoted to have said the party will be forced to subject President Jacob Zuma to the humiliation of a vote of no confidence or even impeachment.